Killeshin and Arles described as ‘unsafe’ due to grievous road safety concerns

Two Laois villages have been described as “unsafe” as road safety issues are causing grievous concerns for local residents.

People living in the villages of both Killeshin and Arles are worried that there will be devastating loss of life unless their concerns are addressed.

That is according to Independent Councillor Ben Brennan, who was speaking at the September meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.

The topic arose when Cllr Brennan called for an update on the Council’s safety measures on the R430 in Killeshin.

“This is going on for ten years,” he said. “Someone is going to get seriously hurt – there’s regular accidents on that road.”

Mr Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services, said the Council’s Road Design section have conducted speed surveys which “have informed the design” for traffic calming measures in Killeshin.

“The design is being referred for an independent road safety audit following which an application for funding will be made,” he said.

Turning to Arles, Cllr Brennan said the small footpaths on such a busy road is making the  village unsafe for people to walk in.

“These are very old, very narrow footpaths on a wide, busy road,” he said.

“The hedges are overgrown and that’s pushing pedestrians out towards the kirb.

“A young child could easily get suckud under a lorry going by there at speed – which they do at huge speeds.”

Mr Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that the Council would carry out the hedge cutting,

Cllr Brennan then called for the footpath in Doonane housing estate in Crettyard be replaced, saying “the tar and chip used there previously was wrong, it was just a short fix.”

Mr McVeigh said Council staff will meet the Independent councillor on site “to assess the works required.”

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